COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 - This guidance would also apply if any forestry-related operation was given ...
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COVID–19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 This guidance would also apply if any forestry-related operation was given permission to operate at Level 4. 1 May 2020 Questions / Comments: enquiries@fisc.org.nz Document developed by:
Contents Introduction 3 Recommended Practices for COVID–19: Everyone 8 Recommended Practices for COVID–19: Forestry 12 Recommended Practices for COVID–19: Harvesting / Engineering Operations 24 Recommended Practices for COVID–19: Log Cartage 27 Recommended Practices for COVID–19: Processing 30 Recommended Practices for COVID–19: Ports 34 Appendix 1: COVID–19 Alert Levels 46 Appendix 2: Who is at most risk of severe illness from COVID–19? 47 Appendix 3: Assessing wellness 48 Appendix 4: Case management 49 Appendix 5: Travel to and from work 50 Appendix 6: Physical distancing posters 53 Appendix 7: National Industry Group and Working Group 55 COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 2
Introduction
This guide is intended to be used by those working in the
New Zealand forestry industry, operating under the NZ
COVID–19 Alert System.
All businesses need a plan to manage the risks of COVID–19. This document, which is
guidance only, may help businesses create that plan in conjunction with their workers.
Businesses need to look at their operations and identify what work can be done
safely. If they can’t keep people COVID–19 safe, then the work should not be done.
All businesses operate differently and should identify their own risks and mitigation
measures, adhering to New Zealand Government restrictions.
Leaders in the forestry industry throughout the contracting and supply chain,
from boardrooms to the bush need to show leadership in promoting and adopting
measures to eliminate risks where possible, and where not, to substitute or provide
higher level controls as possible.
You need to manage three groups of risk:
• COVID–19 infection
• Pressures in the operating environment generated or amplified by the
COVID–19 response (e.g. production targets and wood flow, cash flow,
workforce challenges)
• Persistent ongoing risks arising from forestry operations (e.g. site preparation
and roading, tree falling, person/machine interaction, repairs and
maintenance, travelling to and from work, loading, haulage, ports operations).
The guidelines, protocols, processes and actions you design for your workplace need
to show how you are addressing each of the three pillars of workplace health and
safety – leadership, risk management and worker engagement.
The Government is using four levels to define the status of the pandemic and how all
of NZ will respond (Appendix 1). The levels are categorised as follows:
Level 1: Prepare The disease is contained
Level 2: Reduce Disease is contained but risks of community
transmission growing
Level 3: Restrict Heightened risk that disease is not contained
Level 4: Eliminate Likely that disease is not contained
Most forestry operations were defined as non-essential and non-operational at Level 4.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 3Operating under Level 3 or 4 will require all businesses to have in place:
• A COVID–19 safety plan with the key aim of a minimum physical distancing of
(Level 4) 2 metres and (Level 3) 1 metre in a controlled work environment and
2 metres at all other times
• General safety and hygiene provisions for minimising the possibility of spread
of COVID–19 between workers.
This guide uses the Ministry of Health and Ministry for Primary Industries guidelines,
which describe general safety measures to control the spread of COVID–19:
• Stay at home if unwell
• Wash hands
• Sneeze / cough into tissue / elbow (tissues in bin)
• Maintain physical distancing
• Use PPE (clothing, masks, gloves) as an optional measure appropriate to the
circumstances
• Form bubbles to minimise mixing of teams
• Visitors / other service providers to maintain safe practices and physical
distancing
• Implement an appropriate cleaning and disinfecting programme
• All persons on site to sign a register to facilitate contact tracing.
Our focus is a safe restart. This is not a return to business as usual. There will be
considerable restrictions on businesses and not all non-essential businesses will
be operating.
Worker participation
Business owners and leaders from forest owner boardrooms to the bush need to work
with their workers and staff to:
• Address the risks associated with COVID-19, as well as risks that may arise due
to a return to operations
• Understand the practicalities of changing work arrangements
• Be confident that new health and safety practices will enable them and their
families to remain well.
• Worker engagement needs to be an ongoing process, especially in
establishing plans and controls, and implementing them, and reviewing their
effectiveness and improving them as lessons are learned.
Framework
These guidelines and protocols have been developed using the following framework:
• Before people get to work (i.e. planning, rostering, remote inductions,)
• When people arrive at work (i.e. signing-in, health checks, washing facilities,
work distancing, site maps)
• While people are at work (i.e. approach for deliveries, separation plans and
barriers, bathroom management, break management, limited access points)
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 4• When people are leaving work (i.e. sign-out, washing, transport protocols,
home arrival hygiene)
• What happens in an emergency (i.e. emergency plans still work in line with
hygiene and distancing, (e.g. assembly points); COVID–19 case plan)
Recommended practices have been developed for the following groups: Everyone,
Forestry Operations, Harvesting/ Engineering Operations, Log Cartage, Processing
and Port.
WorkSafe New Zealand has assessed this guidance and is satisfied that it meets
our expectations for management of COVID-19-related risks in the workplace.1
Phil Parkes Chief Executive
WorkSafe New Zealand Dated 30 April 2020
Restarting of forestry operations
In addition to public health considerations, a successful restart of forestry will require
collaboration, coordination and detailed planning with all those involved across the
supply chain.
This lockdown situation is unprecedented. Businesses should adjust their work
schedule and expectations prior to start-up. The industry cannot reasonably expect
people to complete the planned work in fewer days and this will particularly impact
seasonal operations such as planting.
When people return to work, there will be a whole range of pressures which may be
unseen and unknown (work scheduling, financial, emotional, relationship, physical
pressures). It will not be business as usual for some time.
This is also the longest break from work that many people have had. We will have to be
aware of mindset, physical condition and general health, along with pre-existing health
conditions and circumstances within people’s existing ‘bubble’.
1 WorkSafe does not accept any responsibility or liability to you, whether in contract, equity or tort, or
under any other legal principle, for any direct or indirect losses or damage of any kind arising from use of this
document. This includes any action taken as a result of reading, or a reliance placed on WorkSafe as a result of
having read, any part or all of, the document.
Without limiting the above, you are advised that:
1. The information provided is of a general nature only, and is not intended to address specific
circumstances of any particular individual or entity.
2. WorkSafe makes no warranties, guaranties or undertakings as to results that may be obtained from use
of the document this endorsement applies to. Information provided is not professional or legal advice.
Specific advice should be sought from qualified professionals prior to relying solely on any information in
this document.
The information provided is not in substitution for or in any way an alteration to the laws of New Zealand or any
official guidelines or requirements.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 5The challenges of working differently at this time means everyone needs to keep
communications open and honest so that together we can ensure our sector can
operate. We need to be mindful of the consequences on the rest of the industry of a
positive outbreak.
Any additional risks created by measures introduced to control COVID–19, such as
fatigue, need to be managed.
Operational start-up considerations
When re-starting operations think about the following issues.
1. Start-up pre-planning
• Clear directives on alert level and the requirements for start-up
• Liaise with all key stakeholders in your supply chain
• Talk with your people and identify any ‘at-risk’ employees (Appendix 2)
• Site assessment including environmental aspects
• Complete any site remedial work before production work starts
• Have a start-up plan documented and reviewed by all overlapping PCBU’s
(businesses involved in the work or worksite)
• Complete health risk assessment of workers and identify appropriate controls
• Identify and purchase PPE and hygiene goods required for start-up
• Determine methods for transport to and from work that maintain physical
distance
• Determine communication methods prior to starting work and when on site
• Assess financial impacts and payment schedules for contractors and workers
• Assess training requirements utilising more digital means of communication
and technology solutions. Managers / Supervisors may need to act as mentors
/ ‘go to person’ for setup of devices where they have the skills
• If changes are made to staffing, ensure the essential capabilities are still
present for all teams/ rosters
• Designated person to manage stock of PPE and hygiene goods including
purchasing and distribution, so it remains readily available as needed
• Consider make-up of workforce by role / skills / tasks and implement ‘working
bubbles’ based on people who must work, and may travel together, to:
> Minimise the risk of community spread between groups of people
> Reduce risk to business functionality / continuity by losing all people with
same skill set who have fallen sick or been in close contact with an infected
person. For example, in harvesting, if a crew has two processor operators
in separate bubbles, this isolates them from each other when working and
travelling.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 62. Site start-up activities
• Machines / equipment to be inspected (detailed inspection) and pre-
maintenance completed
• Phased approach to working through start-up, to get workers’ mindsets back
• Segregating phases to eliminate interaction risks between workers and
machine
• Radio communication on every worker and check that it is effective.
3. Re-start of operations
• Methodical, pre-planned approach with sufficient time to work towards full
production
• PPE may be chosen for routine use in some situations e.g. masks where
physical spacing of less than 1 metre cannot be achieved, gloves in situations
where workers have a number of common surface contacts. Where PPE is
chosen, workers must be instructed on its safe use and disposal.
• Mental and physical pre-start exercise for all workers to participate in before
work
• Pre-start-up meeting (detailed and engaging workers in each phase)
• Manual operations work hardening (rotation, more breaks, avoided where
possible)
• Buddy system (workers given a mate to watch out for)
• Physical distancing to be maintained during tailgate meetings.
4. Supervision
• Owners / Supervisors / crew managers to have a high-level daily review and
monitoring plan
• Ensure the measures needed to control the spread of COVID–19 are
effectively implemented
• Daily coordination of work to avoid physical interactions and ensure good
communication
• Response / confirmation protocols for radio communication.
KEEP YOURSELF AND OTHERS SAFE
• Maintain physical distancing: LEVEL 3: Stay 1–2 metres apart;
LEVEL 4: 2 metres apart
• Wash hands for 20 seconds regularly with soap and dry
thoroughly, or use sanitiser
• Clean and disinfect common contact surfaces frequently and
keep other surfaces clean.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 7Recommended Practices for
COVID–19: Everyone
1. Stay at home if you are unwell
• Everyone must self-assess their health prior to attending work. Anyone who
feels unwell should not come to work and should phone Healthline on 0800
358 5453 to seek advice.
• Anyone who has been in another country or has had close contact with a
probable or confirmed case, should self-quarantine and not come to work for
14 days.
• Assess worker fitness before work starts each day by asking them:
> Are you feeling unwell, fatigued or not in a fit state to work?
> Have you been in contact with anyone who is unwell or who has COVID–19?
• For more information see Appendix 3: Assessing wellness.
2. Minimise numbers on site
• Only workers necessary to carry out work should be on site. Any worker who
can work from home should.
• Visitors to site should be minimised to essential work only.
3. General hygiene
Practise good hygiene at ALL TIMES including:
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• Put used tissues straight into the bin
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating
and after going to the toilet
• Use hand-sanitiser
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently used hard surfaces at regular intervals
• Clean and disinfect frequently used objects such as mobile phones, keys,
wallets and work passes.
• Use PPE options as appropriate to the circumstances, which should include
providing instruction on correct use
• Form workplace teams (bubbles) and minimise mixing e.g. staggered breaks,
defined walkways, separate entry and exit times.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 84. Have hygiene and cleaning products available on site
All works sites must have the following available:
• Soap and water
• Hand-sanitiser
• Cleaning products for wiping down areas
• Disposable paper towels to wipe down surfaces
• Tissues
• Gloves
• Bins / bags / waste areas to dispose of used cleaning items.
5. Physical distancing
Maintain physical distancing between people:
• Level 3: 1 metre in a controlled work environment, 2 metres outside home
or on public transport
• Level 4: 2 metres, unless 1 to 2 metres unavoidable e.g. in processing
Separation can be assisted through staggering start / finish / and meal break times. As
far as is possible, people should remain in their work ‘bubble’.
General safety provisions need to be in place at all times and it is important that all
businesses adapt safety measures to their specific circumstances.
Workers are only allowed to work with physical distancing of less than 1 metre in
extraordinary operational circumstances. Additional safety measures such as screens
must be applied, and these are described in guidance from Ministry for Primary
Industries2.
The following requirements for distancing should be discussed and agreed with teams:
• Stagger breaks so that there are no communal lunches, smoko or other
gatherings
• Maintain the required minimum distancing
• Handheld two-ways are to be used to reduce close contact between crew and
visitors.
6. Site register
Ensure you have a register for all workers, including those travelling in work vehicles,
visitors and service providers with contact details recorded to ensure contact tracing
can be done by Ministry of Health if there is a COVID–19 case at your workplace.
7. Case management
Every workplace must maintain and implement processes for managing a positive
COVID–19 detection in the workplace. See Appendix 4 for details.
If there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID–19 at work or at home contact
Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
2 Note that requests for evaluation of options other than screens that provide an equivalent level of
protection can be put to NZ Food Safety.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 98. Travel to and from work site
• Wherever possible employees are to travel individually to and from a work site.
Where this is not possible please see Appendix 5 for further details.
• At home maintain good hygiene and follow the latest Ministry of Health
guidance on physical distancing, including what social and recreational
activities are allowed.
9. Shared vehicle (split shifts, different users on different
days etc)
Where a vehicle or machine is shared between different drivers / operators, each user
must wipe down at the beginning and end of each use:
• Interior (including high touch areas such as steering wheel, gear shift, seat belt
and buckle, radio, window controls etc)
• Any handheld devices left in the vehicle (where possible individuals to retain
their own handheld devices)
• Two-way radio
• Exterior high touch areas including door handles
• Keys and or remote sensor.
10. Returning home
• Clean your hands: Avoid touching anything until you wash or sanitise your
hands thoroughly
• Remove shoes. Don’t walk through the house with your shoes on. Take them
off at the door
• Wash clothes: Put your clothes and bags into a separate container from your
family’s clothes and wash them in a hot washing machine cycle (over 60
degrees)
• Shower: Have a shower and make sure to wash your hands, wrists, neck and
anywhere else that has been exposed.
11. Fuel purchases
• Use hand-sanitiser or wash hands with soap and water both before and after
refuelling vehicles.
12. ‘At-Risk’ employees
• Employees who are most at risk (see Appendix 2) should discuss options
with their employer. Where appropriate, an employer may recommend such
employees are relocated or assigned alternate duties for added protection.
13. All meetings to be conducted remotely or to use
physical distancing
• All meetings should be conducted using either phone conference, video
conference or other technologies which can be set up to be accessed by
laptop, tablet or smartphone
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 10• All communications for onsite meetings such as tailgate meetings should now
take place in a way that maintains physical distancing or via phone or radio
with participants.
14. Training
• Any non-essential face to face training should be suspended. If training must
be provided, then COVID–19 protocols must be met.
15. Work from home where possible
• While this will not be an option for many employees, businesses must identify
work from home options.
16. Worker engagement
• Ensure your workers are involved in implementing these protocols and have a
way to provide feedback on how things are working and when / if things need
to change.
17. Working alone procedures
• Review your working alone procedures and ensure they are fit for working in
these circumstances.
18. Review and monitoring
• Ensure you have processes in place to review and monitor the protocols you
have implemented.
19. Emergencies
• In an emergency the usual procedures apply but take extra diligence to
minimise your risk to COVID–19.
KEEP YOURSELF AND OTHERS SAFE
• Maintain physical distancing: LEVEL 3: Stay 1–2 metres apart;
LEVEL 4: 2 metres apart
• Wash hands for 20 seconds regularly with soap and dry
thoroughly, or use sanitiser
• Clean and disinfect common contact surfaces frequently and
keep other surfaces clean.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 11Recommended Practices for
COVID–19: Forestry
The Forestry function includes all activities from the Establishment phase through to
Pre-harvest.
It encompasses all activities which centre around growth of the forest crop and
maintenance of the asset for the majority of the rotation.
• Tree nurseries
• Mechanical site preparation
• Aerial spraying
• Planting
• Manual spot spraying
• Silviculture (pruning & thinning)
• Inventory
• Pest control (animal & plant)
• Fencing & security gate work
• Other forest maintenance
Forestry – Individual task analysis and controls
Nursery – Seasonal workers
Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Get to work One bubble If not travelling individually by private
vehicle (in which case no multiple
contacts), 1 bubble or crew per vehicle/
trip (dependent on vehicle seat
numbers), clean interior surfaces of
vehicle between trips to nursery.
Prepare for work One bubble Bubbles to be assigned time at shed
including PPE to prepare. Physical distancing to
options be enforced. Sanitisation practices
between bubbles to be implemented.
Toolbox meeting One bubble Physical distancing in open area, outside
shed.
Movement around One bubble All movements to maintain physical
nursery distancing.
by foot
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 12Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Cutting and One bubble Within field / shed maintain physical
Setting distancing, 1 cutter per hedge line, miss a
hedgeline so individuals are walking their
own alley way.
Common surfaces such as boxes and
trailers; QC and Boxy to wear protective
gloves, Cutters not required.
Only touch individual’s box with cutting
material.
Shears / clippers cleaned and sanitised
for storage.
Lift and Pack One bubble Within field / shed maintain physical
spacing.
Common surfaces such as boxes and
packing bubbles/crates; QC and Boxy
to wear protective gloves, Lifters not
required.
Only touch individual’s box for packing.
Shears/clippers/guillotines cleaned and
sanitised for storage.
Despatch Two people 1 person nominated as Despatch
operator. Multiple transport operators.
Despatcher to record onsite transport
operators daily.
Common surfaces such as forklifts to be
sanitised between operators. Transport
operator to load consignment.
Maintain physical distancing at all times.
Transport operator to wear gloves at
consignment signoff.
Smokos / Meal One bubble Bubble sizes to be set to allow work
breaks programme to be efficiently completed
while maintaining physical distancing.
If more than 1 bubble within the
nursery, stagger smoko / meal breaks at
common shed. Sanitisation practices
implemented between bubbles. Clean
common areas daily.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 13Nursery – Crop growing
Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Get to work None 1 person per car.
Prepare for work Two people Permanent staff gear location assigned.
including PPE
Physical distancing to be enforced.
options
Sanitisation practices between
permanent staff and bubbles
(if operating) to be implemented.
Toolbox meeting One bubble Physical distancing in office.
Individuals to take physical notes on
work programme.
Tractor driving None 1 person driving common tractor.
At completion of operation sanitise
tractor cab (steering wheel, gear levers,
controls).
Crop conditioning Two people 1 person driving tractor, second
person on implement maintain
physical distancing. Sanitise tractor
and implement common surfaces at
completion.
Maintenance One person 1 nominated person to run workshop,
complete maintenance requirements.
Mechanical site preparation
Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Work prescription, None Forest company emails pdf and uploads
hazard ID and shape files directly to contractors’ GPS
shape file data device.
files are prepared
by forest
company
Contractor None Contractor completes task at base prior
prints out to field work.
documentation,
signs it and scans
/ emails back to
forest company
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 14Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Contractor and None Discuss on phone.
forest manager
discuss the
prescribed job
over the phone.
Contractor None Contractor drives light vehicle to site
transports transport company. Have 1 person
machine to site driving truck to site with excavator.
• Radio is used to communicate
when at site
• Truck driver unhooks excavator
and then retreats to cab
• Contractor drives excavator off
truck
• Truck driver then leaves site
• No contact between two parties.
Forest gate None Contractor to open and close gates.
opening and Wash or sanitise hands as soon as
closing possible.
Sign in and out None Contractor uses online app if available
of property if otherwise use gloves to sign in and out
appropriate of book.
Carry out spot None 1 person working on site at all times.
cultivation
Forest company Two people 1 forest representative and 1 machine
representative operator can communicate via radio or
onsite supervision to maintain physical distancing.
and compliance.
Aerial spraying
Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Work None Forest company emails pdf and uploads
prescriptions shape files directly to contractors’ GPS
and aerial shape device.
file data files
are prepared by
forest company
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 15Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Aerial contractor None Contractor completes task at base prior
prints out to field application.
documentation
and uploads GPS
shape files into
helicopter
Chemical is Two people 1 person on loader and 1 driver securing
collected from vehicle load for transportation.
storage facility • Nominated person open / close
and handled facility
• Manhandling containers – two
people as required 1 metre
distancing minimum and wearing
gloves.
• Driver only secures load
• All other movements maintain
physical distancing.
Forest owner None 1 person in own vehicle.
representative
drives to
application site
Chemical None 1 person in own vehicle.
transported
to field for
application by
ground crew
Water cart None 1 person in own vehicle.
transported to
field for chemical
mixing (optional if
no pond source)
Forest gate None 1 nominated person to open and close
opening and gates. Wash hands or sanitise as soon as
closing possible.
Onsite setup None 1 person operation. If second person
and mixing of maintain physical distancing.
chemicals
Water tanker filling Two people Tanker driver controls the fill operation.
at aerial ground Aerial ground crew maintain physical
crew distancing.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 16Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Ground crew Two people 1 ground crew working alone, the pilot is
loading helicopter isolated in the helicopter.
chemical and fuel
Forest company Two people 1 forest representative and 1 ground
representative crew or 1 pilot can communicate via
onsite supervision independent radio or maintain physical
and compliance. distancing.
Planting
Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Work None Forest company emails prescriptions
prescriptions and maps to the contractor.
and maps are
prepared by
forest company
Contractor None Contractor completes task at base.
prints out
documentation
or loads onto field
device
Crews are Limit to as few as Driver/crew leader.
allocated to possible
Variable crew size depending on scale of
vehicles and
operation.
limited to only
have direct Crews depart from allocated pick up
contact with their point, do not come to central point or
assigned crew depot.
All personal belongings removed from
vehicle every night at drop off.
Driver cleans and disinfects the vehicle
every night. See Appendix 5.
Contractor None 1 person in own vehicle maintains
/ supervisor physical distancing on site,
manages field communicates via radio wherever
operations possible or maintain physical distancing.
Forest gate None 1 nominated person to open and close
opening and gates. Wash hands or sanitise as soon as
closing possible.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 17Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Each crew Limit to as few as Clearly marked or mapped area
allocated a possible allocated to each crew, may be part of a
separate work block adjacent to other crews providing
area or block physical distancing is maintained.
Quality control None 1 person in own vehicle. Maintain
physical distancing. Data delivered
electronically.
Trees delivered None Trees, chemical, fertiliser delivered
from nursery, without contact with crew.
chemical or
fertiliser delivered
Collect boxes Limit to as few as Each crew allocated individual bubbles
from bubbles or possible / storage on site, separated to allow
trailers, fertiliser physical distancing.
or chemical
Return empty Limit to as few as As above.
boxes to bubbles / possible
storage
Accommodation Limit to as few as Maintain crew bubble.
(if provided) possible
Silviculture (manual spot spraying, pruning, thinning)
Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Work None Forest company emails prescriptions
prescriptions and and maps to the contractor.
maps are
prepared by
forest company.
Contractor None Contractor completes task at base.
prints out
documentation
or loads onto field
device
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 18Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Crews are Limit to as few as Driver/crew leader.
allocated to possible
Variable crew size depending on scale of
vehicles and
operation.
limited to only
have direct Crews depart from allocated pick up
contact with their point, do not come to central point or
assigned crew depot.
All personal belongings removed from
vehicle every night at drop off.
Driver cleans and disinfects the vehicle
every night. See Appendix 5.
Forest gate None 1 nominated person to open and close
opening and gates. Wash hands or sanitise as soon as
closing possible.
Contractor None 1 person in own vehicle maintains
/ supervisor physical distancing on site,
manages field communicates via radio wherever
operations possible or maintain physical distancing.
Each crew Limit to as few as Clearly marked or mapped area
allocated a possible allocated to the crew, may be part of a
separate work block adjacent to other crews providing
area or block physical distancing is managed.
Quality control None 1 person in own vehicle. Maintain
physical distancing. Data delivered
electronically.
Accommodation Limit to as few as Maintain crew bubble.
(if provided) possible
Inventory
Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Manager None Forest company emails pdfs and plot
preparation data and ensures systems are set up
– Work electronically.
prescriptions,
Disinfect keys. Maintain physical
mapping, hazard
distancing.
ID, plot locations,
permits and
security keys.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 19Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Task preparation None Supervisor or contractor completes task
– Inventory at base prior to field application and
supervisor / assembles all necessary equipment.
contractor prints
out paper maps
if required or
uses electronic
systems such as
Avenza maps.
Driving – Limit to as few as Limit bubble size by vehicle occupant
Inventory possible numbers. See Appendix 5.
Contractor
or forest
supervisor/s
drives to site.
Depending on
inventory task this
can be one or two
people.
Equipment and None All electronic equipment or manual
devices equipment is not to be shared. This
includes tablets, allegros, GPS, phones,
tape measures, clinometers etc.
All equipment is to be disinfected daily.
Data – Try to None All data is to be supplied electronically.
utilise digital
If paper-based systems are used this
systems / apps
is to be sent by photo, original paper
such as survey 123
copies to have an incubation period
if possible.
before being handled by another party.
Forest gate None 1 nominated person to open and close
opening and gates. Wash hands as soon as practical.
closing
Traceability None Record track logs via GPS or using your
smart phone ensure location icon is
activated.
Record any other activities or human
contact at the site. Always maintain
physical distancing.
Accommodation None Separate motel units for individuals.
– If camping away
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 20Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
ATV – side by None As per vehicle utilising 1 designated
sides or quads driver in a side by side or individual
quads.
Utilisation of None When carrying out and operating UAV’s
Drones – UAV as an individual they need to apply all the
operators when rules as above.
collecting data
Animal pest control
Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Work None Forest company emails map files to the
prescriptions contractor.
and maps are
prepared by
forest company
Chemical / None 1 person in own vehicle.
ammunition
/ traps are
collected from
storage facility
and handled
Contractor drives None 1 person in own vehicle. If vehicle shared
to site disinfect before and after.
Forest gate None 1 nominated person to open and close
opening and gates. Wash hands as soon as practical.
closing
Forest company Two people 1 forest representative and 1 contractor
representative can communicate via independent radio
onsite supervision or maintain physical distancing.
and compliance.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 21Weed spraying
Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Work None Forest company emails map files to the
prescriptions contractor.
and maps are
prepared by
forest company.
Chemicals are None 1 person in own vehicle and sprayer.
collected from
storage facility
and mixed.
Contractor picks Two people Hands sanitised before entry and after
up second person exit of vehicle. See Appendix 5.
(if required) drives
to site
Application Two people Maintain physical distancing at all times.
of chemical No swapping of tools / roles.
to weeds via
pressurised hose /
knapsack sprayer
Forest gate None 1 nominated person to open and close
opening and gates. Wash hands as soon as practical.
closing
Forest company Three people 1 forest representative and 2 contractors
representative can communicate via independent radio
onsite supervision or maintain physical distancing.
and compliance.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 22General maintenance
Installation or maintenance of signs / gates / fences / cameras etc.
Task Multiple Contact Exposure Management Controls
Engagements
Work None Forest company emails map files to the
prescriptions contractor or staff member.
and maps are
prepared by
forest company
Collection of tools Two people Masks to be worn if purchasing items.
/ signs / other (if items are Disinfect items purchased. Sanitise
items purchased) hands if handling items before
disinfecting.
Contractor / staff None 1 person in own vehicle. If vehicle shared
drives to site disinfect before and after.
Forest gate None 1 nominated person to open and close
opening and gates. Wash hands as soon as practical.
closing
Forest company Two people 1 forest representative and contractor
representative can communicate via independent radio
onsite supervision or maintain physical distancing.
and compliance.
KEEP YOURSELF AND OTHERS SAFE
• Maintain physical distancing: LEVEL 3: Stay 1–2 metres apart;
LEVEL 4: 2 metres apart
• Wash hands for 20 seconds regularly with soap and dry
thoroughly, or use sanitiser
• Clean and disinfect common contact surfaces frequently and
keep other surfaces clean.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 23Recommended Practices for
COVID–19: Harvesting /
Engineering Operations
1. Re-induction of everyone on site
• Each worker to be re-inducted on the new practices for COVID–19 for the work
site
• Each individual to possess individual PPE that includes a bottle of sanitiser,
soap and paper towels, individual water bottles and toilet paper. These are not
to be shared
• Subcontractors and service agents must also be fully re-inducted.
2. Wipe down, disinfect and disposal
• Frequently wipe down and disinfect frequently used and communal surfaces
• Each work site must have a disposal procedure for used paper towels.
3. Wash hands
• Wash hands with soap or sanitise regularly and thoroughly
• For example; after every sneeze or cough; before and after eating, using the
toilet, refuelling vehicles, opening or closing a forest gate, touching something
‘communal’, upon entering a machine / vehicle and after any contact with
another person or pet.
4. Travel
• Workers are to travel to work individually as a single occupant where possible.
Leave home / work and return directly to your bubble. Do not sightsee or make
unnecessary stops to / from work.
• If a driver is required to collect a passenger, then both occupants must
maximise their separation distance while in the vehicle. Both workers must
thoroughly wash or sanitise their hands on entering and exiting the vehicle.
Appendix 5.
5. Physical distancing
• Maintaining physical distancing is a critical health practice. Individuals
must maintain physical distancing for any activity that requires interaction
between 2 or more people (e.g. toolbox meetings, maintenance) Your physical
distancing plans must take into account the likelihood of wet weather.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 246. Meetings
• If wet, use radio communication (either handheld or in machines / vehicles) to
communicate
• At the end of each toolbox meeting and once all plans have been discussed,
Foreman are to ask all workers individually by name for an affirmation that
they understand the work plan, and then sign off the Daily Toolbox Book on
their behalf
• Each person should be asked at each toolbox meeting if they are “feeling right
and not exhibiting any COVID–19 symptoms”.
7. Work bubble – Machine operation
• Sanitise machine prior to starting work at the beginning of the day; wipe down
all switches, door / window handles, seatbelts, controls, radio, seat, roof and
all surfaces
• Once cleaning is completed, hands must be washed for 20 seconds with soap
and dried thoroughly OR sanitised
• If an operator needs to switch machines for operation or maintenance during
the day, then they need to sanitise the machine prior to use as above
• If they are the only user of both machines, then a daily high touch area wipe-
down is all that is required to maintain a healthy work bubble.
8. Work bubble – Other activities
• Stay isolated for rest breaks. There are to be no communal lunches. Do not
share any food or water. Maintain physical distancing. Wash hands before and
after eating
• First Aid kits on site and in vehicles to be allocated to each person as the
‘holder’ of that kit. It will be that person’s responsibility to ensure that used
items are replenished.
9. Work bubble – Visitors
• Any visitors to site should notify the crew in advance of their visit. No surprise
visits
• The visitor will be informed of the check-in procedure prior to arriving on site
and must have an RT radio
• Visitors will not enter the crew container unless instructed to do so
• Sign in will be via verbal affirmation with the crew foreman
• Maintaining a physical distancing with any person on site is paramount
• All visitors must have their own hand-sanitiser as part of their compulsory PPE
to enter the site
• Any sub-contractor or service agent visiting the site to undertake work must
provide their own business’s COVID–19 health and safety procedures
• Any rubbish brought on site by a visitor must be removed by that visitor
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 25• A register must be kept that includes each individual who was on site that day
and when (arrival to leaving) for contact tracing purposes if a COVID–19 case
occurs
• In an emergency the usual procedures apply but take extra diligence to
minimise your risk to COVID–19.
KEEP YOURSELF AND OTHERS SAFE
• Maintain physical distancing: LEVEL 3: Stay 1–2 metres apart;
LEVEL 4: 2 metres apart
• Wash hands for 20 seconds regularly with soap and dry
thoroughly, or use sanitiser
• Clean and disinfect common contact surfaces frequently and
keep other surfaces clean.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 26Recommended Practices for
COVID–19: Log Cartage
1. Arriving at work
• Ensure you are well rested the night before, ready for the day ahead
• Driver to self-declare that they are COVID–19 symptom free (using an app or
day sheet)
• 1 driver inside the driver’s room or toilet at any time
• Maintain physical distancing between yourself and workmates
• Complete your pre-start checks
• If it is a shared truck, then follow protocols and wipe down cab with sanitiser.
• Check your water bottle is filled ready to wash hands on the road. Wash your
hands prior to departing the yard with sanitiser or soap and water.
2. Loading
• Discuss any loading process with loader operator via radio
• If radio is congested by skids operating close by, discuss with loader in open
air environment maintaining physical distancing between yourself and loader,
always avoid this process where possible – USE YOUR RADIO AS OFTEN AS
YOU CAN
• If you have exited the cab, wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water
prior to returning to cab
• Loader driver to present completed docket to truck driver on a “pogo” stick or
other mechanism to allow for maintaining physical distancing
• Once loaded, wearing your gloves take the docket from the loader driver and
store inside the zip lock bag, wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water
• Move to chain area; wearing your gloves, chain download, avoid helping others
to reduce cross contamination by multiple people touching surfaces
• Wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water prior to returning to cab.
3. On the road
• Wearing your gloves, complete your chain checks as per normal. Do this on
your own
• Remove your gloves and take photos of your load using the Bush Docket app
and send these to your delivery point (ISO or C3)
• Wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water prior to returning to the cab.
4. Arriving at delivery point
• Discuss any loading process with loader operator via radio
• Remain in your cab at all times where possible
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 27• If you need to speak with somebody in person, maintain physical distancing
between yourselves
• Wearing your gloves, take dockets from the zip lock bag and place in customer
dropbox. Return your copies to the zip lock bag
• Wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water prior to returning to cab.
5. Weighbridge
• Avoid contact with other people
• Wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water prior to entering the
weighbridge kiosk
• Weigh loads as per normal process
• Wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water on leaving the weighbridge
kiosk. (Weighbridge owners to provide sanitiser on site)
• Lift trailer as per normal process
• Where gantry operators are provided, maintain physical distancing
• Wear your gloves when operating gantry controls
• Wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water prior to returning to the cab.
6. Refuelling
• Enter your fuel pin etc at the machine
• Wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water
• Wearing your gloves, start refuelling process
• Once complete, hang bowser back
• Remove your gloves and wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water
prior to returning to cab.
7. Back at the yard – End of day
• Wipe down your cab with sanitiser spray and a rag
• Dampen rag with sanitiser spray and wipe down your tablet and zip lock bag –
wipe inside and out of zip lock bag
• Refill water bottle ready for hand washing the following day
• Check drivers’ room and if / once empty, go inside – 1 person at any time
• Place your completed dockets and day sheets inside the letterbox inside the
driver’s room
• Wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water.
8. Punctures / blow-outs on the road
• Contact office or supplier and notify of issue, which tyre, tyre size, your location
• Upon arrival of the tyre repairer, remain in your cab and avoid any
unnecessary contact with the repairer – if you need to speak with the repairer,
do so in an open-air environment and maintain physical distancing. Do not
assist with changing the tyre
• Wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water prior to returning to cab.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 289. Tyre changes [designated supplier]
• Call ahead via the office and notify of issue, which tyre and tyre size
• Park vehicle in designated area at suppliers
• Avoid contact with supplier staff
• Remain in cab or outside of supplier building while repairs are completed
• Once complete, wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water prior to
returning to the cab.
10. Workshop
• Call ahead via office and notify them of the issue requiring repair on vehicle
• Complete vehicle fault sheet and leave inside the cab
• Park vehicle outside the workshop
• Wipe down cab with sanitiser spray
• DO NOT ENTER WORKSHOP FOR ANY REASON.
11. CVST – NZ Police
• Remain in your cab and advise the officer you would always prefer to maintain
physical distancing from them. Suggest they speak to you from the passenger
side with door open and engine off
• If an officer needs to look at your logbook, request they use their sanitiser
• If you exit the vehicle for any reason, maintain physical distancing
• Wash your hands with sanitiser or soap and water prior to returning to the cab
• STAY PROFESSIONAL, FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AND ASSIST THEM IN
THEIR JOB SAFELY.
12. Talking with workmates
• If you need to talk to workmates, then do so either by phone or if possible,
have a conversation outside in an open-air environment, for less than
10 minutes while maintaining physical distancing.
KEEP YOURSELF AND OTHERS SAFE
• Maintain physical distancing: LEVEL 3: Stay 1–2 metres apart;
LEVEL 4: 2 metres apart
• Wash hands for 20 seconds regularly with soap and dry
thoroughly, or use sanitiser
• Clean and disinfect common contact surfaces frequently and
keep other surfaces clean.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 29Recommended Practices for
COVID–19: Processing
1. Bubbles
• Businesses must ensure, as much as possible, that people are able to remain
within their designated ‘bubble’
• Staff that are able to work remotely should continue to do so wherever
possible
• Anyone who has been in another country or has been identified as a close
contact of a probable or confirmed case, should self-quarantine and not
come to work for 14 days.
2. Coming to work
• Any staff who are sick must not come to work
• Anyone who has been in another country or has been identified as a close
contact of a probable or confirmed case, should self-quarantine and not
come to work for 14 days.
3. Washing hands and general hygiene
• Ensure that staff have facilities to be able to wash their hands properly
• Ensure reminders that hands need to be washed regularly and well with soap
and water for 20 seconds and properly dried, especially upon arrival at work,
after using the bathroom, after blowing their nose, sneezing, coughing and
before eating
• Continue to reinforce messages around respiratory and hand hygiene –
remind staff to cover coughs and sneezes with their elbow or tissues (dispose
of any tissues promptly)
• Remind staff that they should avoid touching their face unless they have
washed their hands.
• Signage should be in place to reinforce safety messages.
4. Sanitising work areas
• Clean work areas frequently using a sanitiser / disinfectant, including common
rooms and break rooms, especially high touch areas
• It may be useful to have a board display of when the room was last cleaned.
5. Physical distancing of staff
• Keep as much distance as you can between staff. Where possible, position
staff to stand side-by-side and avoid close, face-to-face positioning.
• Use staggered breaks for different work teams to reduce contact in common
areas
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 30• Create ‘walkways’ so that staff are separated when moving through and
around the work area
• Create separate entrance and exit zones and staggered change-over times so
that teams do not mix in changing rooms
• Some businesses allowed to work at Level 4 might only be able to maintain
a 1 to 2 metre distance between staff. In such cases, general hygiene
requirements may need to be strengthened on a case by case basis e.g. use of
PPE
• Where it is unavoidable that staff have less than 1 metre separation, additional
mitigation measures must be put in place such as screens, PPE (see physical
distancing requirements for everyone above).
6. Work bubbles
• Establish fixed work teams so that you minimise mixing between staff. If one
of the team gets sick, quarantine the whole team (if they are considered close
contacts) and use a replacement team. This includes, wherever possible,
strict departmentalisation of the processing operation so that mixing
between departments is kept to an absolute minimum
• Maintain back-up work teams to use as replacements if a team needs to be
quarantined.
7. Visitors
• Visitors to the site are to be kept to an absolute minimum and are to only
occur when the visit is essential to the ongoing operation of the business
• All visitors to site are to sign a register including details of name, address,
phone number and a declaration that they are free of COVID–19 symptoms
• An induction is to take place for each visit and is to include reminders on strict
physical distancing from staff on site and the need to keep visit length to an
absolute minimum
• Limit all non-essential external visits and minimise contact with essential
visitors using facilities such as pay-wave, internet banking and drop shipments
• Enable physical distancing measures between staff and visitors as much as
possible
• Where feasible and practicable, businesses can install plastic barriers to
separate workers from each other or from visitors if physical distancing
cannot be achieved by other measures
• Visitors should be advised they are required to wipe down any machinery and
surfaces they may touch in the course of their visit with appropriate sanitiser
• Visitors entry point to be equipped with handwashing facilities and any visitor
to site is to wash hands using the best practice guidelines upon entry and exit
of the site.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 318. Staff communication
• Use the information that is available on the COVID–19 website and print off
the COVID–19 posters for staff
• Ensure that staff are regularly briefed on measures to minimise the risk of
infection and routinely monitor compliance.
9. COVID PPE
• PPE may be chosen for routine use in some situations e.g. masks where
physical spacing of more than 1 metre cannot be achieved, gloves in situations
where workers have a number of common surface contacts
• Where PPE is chosen, workers must be instructed on its safe use and disposal
• Information about face masks is on the Ministry of Health website under
COVID–19
• Disposal facilities for PPE must be provided and maintained (emptying).
10. Daily routine
• An onsite Toolbox meeting is to be held with each department of the business
prior to entry to the workplace. As a minimum this will include a discussion
about the necessity for physical distancing and maintaining the protocols put
in place
• Staff are to be actively encouraged to suggest any improvements to the set
protocols. Any changes to the protocols are to be agreed by site management
prior to implementation to allow consideration of downstream effects to be
taken place
• Any changes to the protocols to be circulated in writing and the
implementation to be discussed at appropriate Toolbox meetings.
11. Business continuity
• Ensure your business continuity plans are up to date.
12. Site-specific plans
• Each site is to develop a site-specific plan for controlling the spread of
COVID–19. The plan is to include, as a minimum, the following:
> How communication will occur?
> What the risks are
> How the spread will be controlled
> Health risk screening
> Physical distancing
> Closure of non-essential site services
> Daily briefings / procedures
> PPE (optional use and disposal)
> Working environment
> Unwell staff / visitors
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 32> Entry to / exit from site procedures
> Visitor requirements
> Physical distancing requirements
> Site plan showing internally segregated areas and safe walking paths and
locations of hygiene stations
> Break and lunch procedures
> Cleaning procedures and requirements for individuals i.e. wipe down
procedures for forklift drivers / machine operators / IT Equipment
> Handling of inwards goods (Quarantine / Disinfect / Handle with PPE)
> Monitoring by supervisors and internal verification of compliance
> Working from home guidelines
> Staff travel to and from site
> Privacy.
Template examples for a site-specific plan may be available from industry
organisations.
KEEP YOURSELF AND OTHERS SAFE
• Maintain physical distancing: LEVEL 3: Stay 1–2 metres apart;
LEVEL 4: 2 metres apart
• Wash hands for 20 seconds regularly with soap and dry
thoroughly, or use sanitiser
• Clean and disinfect common contact surfaces frequently and
keep other surfaces clean.
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 33Recommended Practices for
COVID–19: Ports
1. Weighbridge (cross over with Cartage)
• Option 1: Automatic weighbridge
> Truck arrives at the weighbridge. The driver presents electronic
identification onto the reader – no need to touch anything else
> Dallas Tag box wiped down daily.
• Option 2: Manned weighbridge
> Information provided to weighbridge operator via docket. Truck ID
via individual port’s current process. Data entered, dockets including
weighbridge docket returned to the driver
> Weighbridge operator to be wearing appropriate PPE and observe physical
distancing protocols.
2. Checkpoints
• Drivers arriving at checkpoints are to stay in their truck cabs until they are
advised to, move into the ticketing lane or ticketing/scaling lane
• Drivers in the ticketing or ticketing / scaling lane
> Are to move to the passenger seat of their trucks once they have moved
into the load processing location
> Drivers that have documentation to do should complete this and stay in
the passenger seat or go to designated driver wait station for that lane (this
will be marked up)
> Drivers will be advised once the load is finished processing, which is when
the driver can then get back into the driving seat and move the truck when
instructed
• Checkpoints with weighbridge kiosks
> Where there are multiple weighbridge kiosk checkpoints, the kiosks are to
be separated to maintain physical distancing or otherwise only one driver
to use the kiosk at one time
> Designated kiosk lines are to be marked with physical separation distances
> Cleaning / hygiene equipment to be provided at each kiosk
> Cubicle type kiosks are to have windows open for ventilation (weather
permitting)
> Dockets / weigh bills are to be placed in the drop box provided once
documentation processing is complete.
• Pre-advise drivers (applies to everyone seven days after Level 3 starts)
> 100% pre-advice is to be a pre-requisite of entering a checkpoint
commencing seven days after operations start at COVID–19 Level 3
> For pre-advised dockets and weigh bills the docket / weigh bill is NOT TO
BE HANDED IN
COVID-19 Protocols for NZ Forestry Industry Operations under Level 3 34You can also read
